We had no choice in being here, we should have a choice in how long we stay.

The vote today is 88-3 yes. I hope I will have a place to go when things get too bad for me. I don't like the idea of shooting myself in the head, which seems to be a popular method. We all have heard stories about people wishing to die when they are too sick. People beg their love ones to put them out of misery. I don't look at planned self determined suicide as a coward's way out. There is nothing coward about choosing to go on to the hereafter, whatever that happens to be. This Bible crap about taking your own life is a sin isn't worth considering.

On the other hand, what right does anyone have to tell someone that they have to stick around if they don't want to? Pain does not give life meaning, it just gives people pain.

The real concerns we should have about this is the inevitable misuse that will be attempted: mobster types telling people their spouses/younger family members will be killed if they don't get themselves to a clinic, things like that.

Yes. I support both. Euthenasia and abortion.

I so hope this will be available to me. I think I would prefer the comfort of my own home and bed for this to occur. Just prescribe the correct medicament and I'll keep it under lock and key until or if needed. However, should I suffer something debilitating.... that is a whole new ballgame.

We must all have advanced directives made.

Why only in clinics? I'd far rather have the mobile vet visit my home for me and die in my own place.

That said, I have a lot of chronic, painful conditions. None of them are killing me right now, but none of them are getting any better, either. Living with chronic pain is exhausting, and it really strips people of any will to live.

The vote today (Monday) is 68 yes and 3 no.. Honestly, I am surprised the yes vote is overwhelming. Chuckles III entered a great Washington Post article that anyone interested should read. I believe mental anguish can be as painful as medical problems. A nice painless way to go on out is certainly better than a pistol shot to the head. Of course, anyone who says they want to die should be receive counseling. However, the mental health system at least in Georgia is in shambles.
I guess most people want to live as long as they can, even if they are in pain.
One of the tenets of Christianity is that suicide is a sin. (Of course, sin is a man created idea).

People are not voting , because you chose to limit the options to being lawfully allowed to off yourself in a clinic or not at all . There are other options . Personally , I've been living with diabetes , osteo arthritis , kidney failure , and a heart condition , for many decades . I do not plan to move in with my daughters , I do not want to live in an assisted living home , and I don't want the money I've worked so long to earn , carefully invested , and saved , to go down the drain keeping me alive , when there is no quality of life left for me . When I've reached the point , where I can't live in my own home , can't manage living on my own , even with in home help , can't make my own choices , can't read , because my eyes won't let me , can't move my fingers , can't hear due to the tinnities , can't choose my own food , can't get out into the sunshine , because I can't leave my bed , when there's no more pleasure to be had , for the rest of my life , I will make the decision .

I think we should set some criteria as to when people should be able to legally engage in assisted suicide. Either you are very old or medically incapacitated. After you reach the age of 80 or more, you should have that choice.

I HAVE LOST 4 FRIENDS in the last couple years... i guess its part of being in our 70s.
only one did i actually get to be around his last day... the 'HOSPICE FOLK' a couple exwives and mutual friends..., had a love-in.... his favirite music on spotify ... some happy pharma suticals ( YES IM A BAD SPELLER)... AND I WAS TO BRING HIS FAVORITE MEAL barneys burger blue cheese... he tried and i saved his life with a HEIMLICK hug, that wasnt how he was suppoed to dye (sp) HE WAS WAITING FOR A LIVER.. BUT WOULDNT HAVE THE STRENGTH FOR THAT....lets reserve that for the 'YOUNG'
short story all to long... i left for an evening tennis date, checking back-in HE ASKED FOR THE MAGIC PILL, he probably couldnt swallow it the next day........
i want just that type of option R

Voted yes, but with a lot of provisos.

Well, sort of. The issue is very complicated, but yes, in general I believe there should be a sanctioned way to exit the world. Lot of things to think/be careful about. If someone is not in a rational state of mind, say severely depressed for instance, is it ok to let them end it? Can we be sure all avenues to relieve suffering have been investigated? Do they need to be? Would it be fair to allow them to continue to suffer just because they are not in a rational state of mind. What if they never find any relief? How would we protect vulnerable people from being pressured by greedy relatives who can't stand the thought of grandma blowing all her savings on medical care? Much more to consider but it is late.....

Dont like the nomenclature here- Euthenasia is not necessarily voluntary, hence the term 'mercy killing'
Prefer the notion of 'assisted suicide' as it distinctly infers death by choice. We can only hope that this is the extent of the practice and that we never move toward the broader definitions, for our humanity's sake.

The most terrifying thing about possibly developing Alzheimer's is NOT being able to ''off'' myself before I forget how to do it! I've seen friends in DIAPERS, DROOLING, ANGRY, HATEFUL....and I'm determined to spare myself and family/friends that horrible situation.

My dearly loved Uncle George had Parkinson's for most of his adult life. After his wife died, I'd go to visit (he had to be in a home...nobody could manage his falling, etc,) and he'd look directly into my eyes and beg me to ''Help me die, Honey...help me die!" I was terrified to do it but I spoke with an RN friend who advised me strongly to NOT help him...she said there would be an autopsy and, as his last visitor.....well.

So, I had to stand by and wait for another year, while he became worse and worse. I still remember feeling relief when he died. Oh...and there WAS an autopsy!

I think people need a team of interdisciplinary professionals to assist with the end of life choice....a little more than clinic or a few health care workers.

Yes a hospice with excellent palliative care in a beautiful setting with a checkout button. ?

You reminded me of the scene in Soylent Green, when Edward G. Robinon's character decided it was time for him to die, he goes to a hospital-like facility. They show him video of animals and nature (the way Earth used to be), play him his favorite music, and "put him to sleep." I love that idea.

Too, damn simplistic question that needs very complex answer!?

You appear to have answered your own question (?) but ... yes.

One restriction, for those not terminally ill in the traditional sense, would be a visit to a mental health counselor for a few sessions to really be sure. No mulligans with this decision.

I’m not sure about the clinic part. How many hundreds of thousands of dollars are they going to charge the family to euthanize Grandma? do you need a clinic? Does it take an MD to kill someone? How about just a veterinarian?

As someone whose health is uncertain, heart and respiratory systems have been compromised I shudder to think about being unable to go out with friends. I believe in quality of life not quanity!

In the US there are already six states and the District of Columbia in which physician assisted suicide is legal ( California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, and Vermont). Though the requirements are slightly different, in each the patient has to request assistance at least once (sometimes more), has to be evaluated by a mental health professional, and several physicians must review the case. To date there has not been a huge rush, and it seems that for some subset of patients just knowing they can move ahead is sufficient and they do not use the medications.
As to the reasons probably the most compelling (at least from my perspective) is that with this option, individuals can actually terminate their lives reliably and with the least amount of suffering. Unfortunately, without medical help a fair number of people 'botch' their suicide attempt and end up with grievous injuries that aren't fatal (especially with firearms).

You as an individual have the rite not to suffer from physical or mental anguish.

[washingtonpost.com]